Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner device with enhanced maintenance features and enhanced anti-microorganism capability

ABSTRACT

An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The airflow is subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. The device can also include a third or leading or focus electrode located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes, and/or an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, and/or an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional applicationentitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER AND CONDITIONER DEVICE WITHENHANCED MAINTENANCE FEATURES AND ENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISMCAPABILITY,” Application No. 60/341,377, filed Dec. 13, 2001 under 35U.S.C. 119(e),which application is incorporated herein by reference.This application claims priority from provisional application entitled“FOCUS ELECTRODE, ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES,”Application No. 60/306,479, filed Jul. 18, 2001 under 35 U.S.C.119(e),which application is incorporated herein by reference. Thisapplication claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of patentapplication “ELECTRO-KINETIC DEVICE WITH ENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISMCAPABILITY”, application Ser. No. 09/774,198, filed Jan. 29, 2001, andincorporated herein by reference. This application claims priority fromand is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/924,624 filed Aug. 8, 2001 which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Ser.No. 09/564,960 filed May 4, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/186,471 filed Nov. 5, 1998, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,176,977. All of the above are incorporated herein byreference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] 1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/341,518, filed Dec. 13,2001, entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHAN UPSTREAM FOCUS ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041US6

[0003] 2. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,090, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHTRAILING ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USE

[0004] 3. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,433, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHINTERSTITIAL ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USF

[0005] 4. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,592, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHENHANCED COLLECTOR ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USG

[0006] 5. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,320, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHENHANCED EMITTER ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USH

[0007] 6. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,179, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER AND CONDITIONER DEVICE WITHENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISM CAPABILITY”; SHPR-01028US1

[0008] 7. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/340,702, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER AND CONDITIONER DEVICE WITHENHANCED HOUSING CONFIGURATION AND ENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISMCAPABILITY”; SHPR-01028US2

[0009] 8. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/023,197, filed Dec. 13,2001, entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER WITHENHANCED CLEANING FEATURES”; SHPR-01041US1

[0010] 9. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/023,460, filed Dec. 13,2001, entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER CONDITIONER WITHPIN-RING CONFIGURATION”; SHPR-01041USJ

[0011] 10. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/341,176, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER WITHNON-EQUIDISTANT COLLECTOR ELECTRODES”; SHPR-01041US8

[0012] 11. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/340,288, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “DUAL INPUT AND OUTLET ELECTROSTATIC AIRTRANSPORTER-CONDMONER”; SHPR-01041US7

[0013] 12. U.S. Patent Application No. 60/340,462, filed Dec. 13, 2001,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITH AENHANCED COLLECTOR ELECTRODE FOR COLLECTION OF MORE PARTICULATE MATTER”;SHPR-01041US9

[0014] 13. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITH ANUPSTREAM FOCUS ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USL

[0015] 14. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHTRAILING ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USM

[0016] 15. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHINTERSTITIAL ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USN

[0017] 16. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHENHANCED COLLECTOR ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041 USO

[0018] 17. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITHENHANCED EMITTER ELECTRODE”; SHPR-01041USP

[0019] 18. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER AND CONDITIONER DEVICE WITHENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISM CAPABILITY”; SHPR-01028US4

[0020] 19. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER AND CONDITIONER DEVICE WITHENHANCED HOUSING CONFIGURATION AND ENHANCED ANTI-MICROORGANISMCAPABILITY”; SHPR-01028US5

[0021] 20. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER WITHNON-EQUIDISTANT COLLECTOR ELECTRODES”; SHPR-01041USQ

[0022] 21. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “DUAL INPUT AND OUTLET ELECTROSTATIC AIRTRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER”; SHPR01041USR and

[0023] 22. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith,entitled “ELECTRO-KINETIC AIR TRANSPORTER-CONDITIONER DEVICES WITH AENHANCED COLLECTOR ELECTRODE FOR COLLECTION OF MORE PARTICULATE MATTER”.SHPR-01041USS

[0024] All of the above are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates generally to a device thattransports and conditions air. More specifically, an embodiment of thepresent invention provides such a device with the enhanced ability toreduce the number of microorganisms within the air, which microorganismscan include germs, bacteria, and viruses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,801 issued to Lee, and incorporated herein byreference, describes various devices to generate a stream of ionized airusing an electro-kinetic technique. In overview, electro-kinetictechniques use high electric fields to ionize air molecules, a processthat produces ozone (O₃) as a byproduct. Ozone is an unstable moleculeof oxygen that is commonly produced as a byproduct of high voltagearcing. In appropriate concentrations, ozone can be a desirable anduseful substance. But ozone by itself may not be effective to killmicroorganisms such as germs, bacteria, and viruses in the environmentsurrounding the device.

[0027]FIG. 1 depicts a generic electro-kinetic device 10 to conditionair. Device 10 includes a housing 20 that typically has at least one airinput 30 and at least one air output 40. Within housing 20 there isdisposed an electrode assembly or system 50 comprising a first electrodearray 60 having at least one electrode 70 and comprising a secondelectrode array 80 having at least one electrode 90. System 10 furtherincludes a high voltage generator 95 coupled between the first andsecond electrode arrays. As a result, ozone and ionized particles of airare generated within device 10, and there is an electro-kinetic flow ofair in the direction from the first electrode array 60 towards thesecond electrode array 80. In FIG. 1, the large arrow denoted INrepresents ambient air that can enter input port 30. The small “x”'sdenote particulate matter that may be present in the incoming ambientair. The air movement is in the direction of the large arrows, and theoutput airflow, denoted OUT, exits device 10 via outlet 40. An advantageof electro-kinetic devices such as device 10 is that an airflow iscreated without using fans or other moving parts. Thus, device 10 inFIG. 1 can function somewhat as a fan to create an output airflow, butwithout requiring moving parts.

[0028] Preferably particulate matter “x” in the ambient air can beelectrostatically attracted to the second electrode array 80, with theresult that the outflow (OUT) of air from device 10 not only containsozone and ionized air, but can be cleaner than the ambient air. In suchdevices, it can become necessary to occasionally clean the secondelectrode array electrodes 80 to remove particulate matter and otherdebris from the surface of electrodes 90. Accordingly, the outflow ofair (OUT) is conditioned in that particulate matter is removed and theoutflow includes appropriate amounts of ozone, and some ions.

[0029] An outflow of air containing ions and ozone may not, however,destroy or significantly reduce microorganisms such as germs, bacteria,fungi, viruses, and the like, collectively hereinafter “microorganisms.”It is known in the art to destroy such microorganisms with, byway ofexample only, germicidal lamps. Such lamps can emit ultra-violetradiation having a wavelength of about 254 nm. For example, devices tocondition air using mechanical fans, HEPA filters, and germicidal lampsare sold commercially by companies such as Austin Air, C.A.R.E. 2000,Amaircare, and others. Often these devices are somewhat cumbersome, andhave the size and bulk of a small filing cabinet. Although suchfan-powered devices can reduce or destroy microorganisms, the devicestend to be bulky, and are not necessarily silent in operation.

[0030] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,435, 6,019,815, and 6,149,717, issued toSatyapal et al., and incorporated herein by reference, discloses anelectronic air cleaner that contains an electrostatic precipitator celland a germicidal lamp for use, among other uses, with a forced airfurnace system. The electrostatic precipitator cell includes multiplecollector plates for collecting particulate material from the airstream.The germicidal lamp is disposed within the air cleaner to irradiate thecollector plates and to destroy microbial growth that might occur on theparticulate material deposited on the collector plates. Particles thatpass through the air cleaner due to the action of the fan of the forcedair furnace, and that are not deposited on the collector plates,generally are not subjected to the germicidal radiation for a period oftime long enough for the light to substantially reduce microorganismswithin the airflow.

[0031] What is needed is a device to condition air in a room that canoperate relatively silently to remove particulate matter in the air,that can preferably output appropriate amounts of ozone or no ozone, andthat can kill or reduce microorganisms such as germs, fungi, bacteria,viruses, and the like contained within the airflow.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention provide devices that fulfillthe above described needs. It is an aspect of the present invention toreduce the amount of microorganisms within the airflow. An embodiment ofthe present invention has an ion generator to create an airflow andcollect particulates, and a germicidal lamp to kill microorganisms. Thehousing is shaped to slow the airflow rate as the airflow passes thegermicidal lamp, allowing a longer dwell time of the air in front of thegermicidal lamp.

[0033] An aspect of the invention includes the germicidal lamp locatedupstream of the ion generator. An embodiment of the invention locatesthe germicidal lamp within the housing to maximize the amount of airirradiated, and to minimize the disturbance the lamp housing will causeto the airflow rate of the device. Another embodiment maximizes theamount of germicidal light that will directly shine on the airflow,without having to be reflected.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention ensures that there is nodirect line-of-sight through the air inlet or the air outlet of thehousing to the germicidal lamp. An embodiment of the present inventionhas vertical fins covering the air inlet and air outlet to prohibit anindividual from directly staring at the germicidal radiation emitted bythe lamp. Another embodiment includes a shell or lamp housing thatsubstantially surrounds the germicidal lamp to direct the radiation awayfrom the air inlet, and the air outlet.

[0035] Another feature of an embodiment of the invention includes theease of removeability of electrodes from the ion generator and ease ofreplacement of the germicidal lamp. An embodiment of the inventionincludes a rear panel that can be removed to expose the germicidal lampfor replacing. Another embodiment of the invention has second electrodesand a germicidal lamp that can be removed through the top of the housingfor cleaning and/or replacement.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear fromthe following description in which the preferred embodiments have beenset forth in detail, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037]FIG. 1 depicts a generic electro-kinetic conditioner device thatoutputs ionized air and ozone, according to the prior art;

[0038] FIGS. 2A-2B; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment ofthe housing for the present invention; FIG. 2B is a perspective view ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, illustrating the removable array ofsecond electrodes;

[0039] FIGS. 3A-3E; FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment ofthe present invention without a base; FIG. 3B is a top view of theembodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3C is apartial perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B,illustrating the removable second array of electrodes; FIG. 3D is a sideview of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 3A including abase; FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 3D,illustrating a removable rear panel which exposes a germicidal lamp;

[0040]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0041] FIGS. 5A-5B; FIG. 5A is atop, partial cross-sectioned view of anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating one configuration ofthe germicidal lamp; FIG. 5B is a top, partial cross-sectioned view ofanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating anotherconfiguration of the germicidal lamp;

[0042]FIG. 6 is a top, partial cross-sectional view of yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIGS. 7A-7B; FIG. 7A is a partial electrical block diagram of anembodiment of the circuit of the present invention; FIG. 7B is a partialelectrical block diagram of the embodiment of the present invention foruse with the circuit depicted in FIG. 7A;

[0044] FIGS. 8A-8F; FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing an embodimentof an electrode assembly, according to the present invention; FIG. 8B isa plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A; FIG. 8C is aperspective view showing another embodiment of an electrode assembly,according to the present invention; FIG. 8D is a plan view illustratinga modified version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C; FIG. 8E is aperspective view showing yet another embodiment of an electrode assemblyaccording to the present invention; FIG. 8F is a plan view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 8E;

[0045] FIGS. 9A-9B; FIG. 9A is a perspective view of still anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9B is a plan view of amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 9A;

[0046] FIGS. 10A-10D; FIG. 10A is a perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10B is a perspective view of amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 10A; FIG. 10C is a perspectiveview of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 10B; FIG. 10D is amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 8D;

[0047] FIGS. 11A-11C; FIG. 11A is a perspective view of yet anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11B is a perspective view of amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 11A; FIG. 11C is a perspectiveview of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 11B;

[0048] FIGS. 12A-12C; FIG. 12A is a perspective view of still anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12B is a perspective view of amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 9A; FIG. 12C is a perspectiveview of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 12A;

[0049] FIGS. 13A-13C; FIG. 13A is a perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13B is a plan view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 13A; FIG. 13C is a plan view of still anotherembodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIGS. 14A-14F; FIG. 14A is a plan view of still anotherembodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14B is a plan view of amodified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 14A; FIG. 14C is a plan viewof yet another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14D is a planview of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 14C; FIG. 14E is aplan view of another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14F is aplan view of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIG. 14E; and

[0051] FIGS. 15A-15C; FIG. 15A is perspective view of another embodimentof the present invention; FIG. 15B is a perspective view of stillanother embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15C is a perspectiveview of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0052] Overall Air Transporter-Conditioner System Configuration:

[0053] FIGS. 2A-2B

[0054] FIGS. 2A-2B depicts a system which does not have incorporatedtherein a germicidal lamp. However, these embodiments do include otheraspects such as the removable second electrodes which can be included inthe other described embodiments.

[0055]FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an electro-kinetic airtransporter-conditioner system 100 whose housing 102 includes preferablyrear-located intake vents or louvers 104 and preferably front locatedexhaust vents 106, and a base pedestal 108. Preferably, the housing 102is free standing and/or upstandingly vertical and/or elongated. Internalto the transporter housing 102 is anion generating unit 160, preferablypowered by an AC:DC power supply that is energizable or excitable usingswitch S1. Switch S1, along with the other below described user operatedswitches, are conveniently located at the top 103 of the unit 100. Iongenerating unit 160 is self-contained in that other ambient air, nothingis required from beyond the transporter housing 102, save externaloperating potential, for operation of the present invention.

[0056] The upper surface 103 of the housing 102 includes a user-liftablehandle member 112 to which is affixed a second array 240 of collectorelectrodes 242. The housing 102 also encloses a first array of emitterelectrodes 230, or a single first emitter electrode shown here as asingle wire or wire-shaped electrode 232. (The terms “wire” and“wire-shaped” shall be used interchangeably herein to mean an electrodeeither made from a wire or, if thicker or stiffer than a wire, havingthe appearance of a wire.) In the embodiment shown, handle member 112lifts second array electrodes 240 upward causing the second electrode totelescope out of the top of the housing and, if desired, out of unit 100for cleaning, while the first electrode array 230 remains within unit100. As is evident from the figure, the second array of electrodes 240can be lifted vertically out from the top 103 of unit 100 along thelongitudinal axis or direction of the elongated housing 102. Thisarrangement with the second electrodes removable from the top 103 of theunit 100, makes it easy for the user to pull the second electrodes 242out for cleaning. In FIG. 2B, the bottom ends of second electrodes 242are connected to a member 113, to which is attached a mechanism 500,which includes a flexible member and a slot for capturing and cleaningthe first electrode 232, whenever handle member 112 is moved upward ordownward by a user. The first and second arrays of electrodes arecoupled to the output terminals of ion generating unit 160.

[0057] The general shape of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B is that of a figure eight in cross-section, althoughother shapes are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thetop-to-bottom height in one preferred embodiment is, 1 m, with aleft-to-right width of preferably 15 cm, and a front-to-back depth ofperhaps 10 cm, although other dimensions and shapes can of course beused. A louvered construction provides ample inlet and outlet venting inan ergonomical housing configuration. There need be no real distinctionbetween vents 104 and 106, except their location relative to the secondelectrodes. These vents serve to ensure that an adequate flow of ambientair can be drawn into or made available to the unit 100, and that anadequate flow of ionized air that includes appropriate amounts of O₃flows out from unit 100.

[0058] As will be described, when unit 100 is energized by depressingswitch S1, high voltage or high potential output by an ion generator 160produces ions at the first electrode 232, which ions are attracted tothe second electrodes 242. The movement of the ions in an “IN” to “OUT”direction carries with the ions air molecules, thus electro-kineticallyproducing an outflow of ionized air. The “IN” rotation in FIGS. 2A and2B denote the intake of ambient air with particulate matter 60. The“OUT” notation in the figures denotes the outflow of cleaned airsubstantially devoid of the particulate matter, which particulatesmatter adheres electrostatically to the surface of the secondelectrodes. In the process of generating the ionized airflow appropriateamounts of ozone (O₃) are beneficially produced. It maybe desired toprovide the inner surface of housing 102 with an electrostatic shield toreduce detectable electromagnetic radiation. For example, a metal shieldcould be disposed within the housing, or portions of the interior of thehousing can be coated with a metallic paint to reduce such radiation.

[0059] Preferred Embodiments of Air-Transporter-Conditioner System withGermicidal Lamp

[0060] FIGS. 3A-6 depict various embodiments of the device 200, with animproved ability to diminish or destroy microorganisms includingbacteria, germs, and viruses. Specifically, FIGS. 3A-6 illustratevarious preferred embodiments of the elongated and upstanding housing210 with the operating controls located on the top surface 217 of thehousing 210 for controlling the device 200.

[0061] FIGS. 3A-3E

[0062]FIG. 3A illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the housing210 of device 200. The housing 210 is preferably made from a lightweightinexpensive material, ABS plastic for example. As a germicidal lamp(described hereinafter) is located within the housing 210, the materialmust be able to withstand prolonged exposure to class UV-C light. Non“hardened” material will degenerate over time if exposed to light suchas UV-C. Byway of example only, the housing 210 may be manufactured fromCYCLOLAC® ABS Resin, (material designation VW300(f2)) which ismanufactured by General Electric Plastics Global Products, and iscertified by UL Inc. for use with ultraviolet light. It is within thescope of the present invention to manufacture the housing 210 from otherUV appropriate materials.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 210 is aerodynamicallyoval, elliptical, teardrop-shaped or egg-shaped. The housing 210includes at least one air intake 250, and at least one air outlet 260.As used herein, it will be understood that the intake 250 is “upstream”relative to the outlet 260, and that the outlet 260 is “downstream” fromthe intake 250. “Upstream” and “downstream” describe the general flow ofair into, through, and out of device 200, as indicated by the largehollow arrows.

[0064] Covering the inlet 250 and the outlet 260 are fins, louvers, orbaffles 212. The fins 212 are preferably elongated and upstanding, andthus in the preferred embodiment, vertically oriented to minimizeresistance to the airflow entering and exiting the device 200.Preferably the fins 212 are vertical and parallel to at least the secondcollector electrode array 240 (see FIG. 5A). The fins 212 can also beparallel to the first emitter electrode array 230. This configurationassists in the flow of air through the device 200 and also assists inpreventing UV radiation from the UV or germicidal lamp 290 (describedhereinafter), or other germicidal source, from exiting the housing 210.By way of example only, if the long width of the body from the inlet 250to the outlet 260 is 8 inches, the collector electrode 242 (see FIG. 5A)can be 1¼″ wide in the direction of airflow, and the fins 212 can be ¾″or ½″ wide in the direction airflow. Of course, other proportionatedimensions are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further,other fin and housing shapes which may not be as aerodynamic are withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

[0065] From the above it is evident that preferably the cross-section ofthe housing 210 is oval, elliptical, teardrop-shaped or egg shaped withthe inlet 250 and outlet 260 narrower than the middle (see line A-A inFIG. 5A) of the housing 210. Accordingly, the airflow, as it passesacross line A-A, is slower due to the increased width and area of thehousing 210. Any bacteria, germs, or virus within the airflow will havea greater dwell time and be neutralized by a germicidal device, such as,preferably, an ultraviolet lamp.

[0066]FIG. 3B illustrates the operating controls for the device 200.Located on top surface 217 of the housing 210 is an airflow speedcontrol dial 214, a boost button 216, a function dial 218, and anoverload/cleaning light 219. The airflow speed control dial 214 hasthree settings from which a user can choose: LOW, MED, and HIGH. Theairflow rate is proportional to the voltage differential between theelectrodes or electrode arrays coupled to the ion generator 160. TheLOW, MED, and HIGH settings generate a different predetermined voltagedifference between the first and second arrays. For example, the LOWsetting will create the smallest voltage difference, while the HIGHsetting will create the largest voltage difference. Thus, the LOWsetting will cause the device 200 to generate the slowest airflow rate,while the HIGH setting will cause the device 200 to generate the fastestairflow rate. These airflow rates are created by the electronic circuitdisclosed in FIGS. 7A-7B, and operate as disclosed below.

[0067] The function dial 218 enables a user to select “ON,” “ON/GP,” or“OFF.” The unit 200 functions as an electrostatic airtransporter-conditioner, creating an airflow from the inlet 250 to theoutlet 260, and removing the particles within the airflow when thefunction dial 218 is set to the “ON” setting. The germicidal lamp 290does not operate, or emit UV light, when the function dial 218 is set to“ON.” The device 200 also functions as an electrostatic air transporterconditioner, creating an airflow from the inlet 250 to the outlet 260,and removing particles within the airflow when the function dial 218 isset to the “ON/GP” setting. In addition, the “ON/GP” setting activatesthe germicidal lamp 290 to emit UV light to remove or kill bacteriawithin the airflow. The device 200 will not operate when the functiondial 218 is set to the “OFF” setting.

[0068] As previously mentioned, the device 200 preferably generatessmall amounts of ozone to reduce odors within the room. If there is anextremely pungent odor within the room, or a user would like totemporarily accelerate the rate of cleaning, the device 200 has a boostbutton 216. When the boost button 216 is depressed, the device 200 willtemporarily increase the airflow rate to a predetermined maximum rate,and generate an increased amount of ozone. The increased amount of ozonewill reduce the odor in the room faster than if the device 200 was setto HIGH. The maximum airflow rate will also increase the particlecapture rate of the device 200. In a preferred embodiment, pressing theboost button 216 will increase the airflow rate and ozone productioncontinuously for 5 minutes. This time period maybe longer or shorter. Atthe end of the preset time period (e.g., 5 minutes), the device 200 willreturn to the airflow rate previously selected by the control dial 214.

[0069] The overload/cleaning light 219 indicates if the secondelectrodes 242 require cleaning, or if arcing occurs between the firstand second electrode arrays. The overload/cleaning light 219 mayilluminate either amber or red in color. The light 219 will turn amberif the device 200 has been operating continuously for more than twoweeks and the second array 240 has not been removed for cleaning withinthe two week period. The amber light is controlled by the belowdescribed 2-week time circuit 130 (see FIG. 7B) which is connected tothe power setting circuit 122. The device 200 will continue to operateafter the light 219 turns amber. The light 219 is only an indicator.There are two ways to reset or turn the light 219 off. A user may removeand replace the second array 240 from the unit 200. The user may alsoturn the control dial 218 to the OFF position, and subsequently turn thecontrol dial 218 back to the “ON” or “ON/GP” position. The timer circuit130 will reset and begin counting a new two week period upon completingeither of these two steps.

[0070] The light 219 will turn red to indicate that arcing has occurredbetween the first array 230 and the second array 240, as sensed by asensing circuit 132, which is connected between the IGBT switch 126 andthe connector oscillator 124 of FIG. 7B (as described below). Whenarcing occurs, the device 200 will automatically shut itself off. Thedevice 200 cannot be restarted until the device 200 is reset. To resetthe device 200, the second array 240 should first be removed from thehousing 210 after the unit 200 is turned off. The second electrode 240can then be cleaned and placed back into the housing 210. Then, thedevice 200 is turned on. If no arcing occurs, the device 200 willoperate and generate an airflow. If the arcing between the electrodescontinues, the device 200 will again shut itself off, and need to bereset.

[0071]FIG. 3C illustrates the second electrodes 242 partially removedfrom the housing 210. In this embodiment, the handle 202 is attached toan electrode mounting bracket 203. The bracket 203 secures the secondelectrodes 242 in a fixed, parallel configuration. Another similarbracket 203 is attached to the second electrodes 242 substantially atthe bottom (not shown). The two brackets 203 align the second electrodes242 parallel to each other, and in-line with the airflow travelingthrough the housing 210. Preferably, the brackets 203 are non-conductivesurfaces.

[0072] One of the various safety features can be seen with the secondelectrodes 242 partially removed. As shown in FIG. 3C, an interlock post204 extends from the bottom of the handle 202. When the secondelectrodes 242 are placed completely into the housing 210, the handle202 rests within the top surface 217 of the housing, as shown by FIGS.3A-3B. In this position, the interlock post 204 protrudes into theinterlock recess 206 and activates a switch connecting the electricalcircuit of the unit 200. When the handle 202 is removed from the housing210, the interlock post 204 is pulled out of the interlock recess 206and the switch opens the electrical circuit. With the switch in an openposition, the unit 200 will not operate. Thus, if the second electrodes242 are removed from the housing 210 while the unit 200 is operating,the unit 200 will shut off as soon as the interlock post 204 is removedfrom the interlock recess 206.

[0073]FIG. 3D depicts the housing 210 mounted on a stand or base 215.The housing 210 has an inlet 250 and an outlet 260. The base 215 sits ona floor surface. The base 215 allows the housing 210 to remain in avertical position. It is within the scope of the present invention forthe housing 210 to be pivotally connected to the base 215. As can beseen in FIG. 3D, housing 210 includes sloped top surface 217 and slopedbottom surface 213. These surfaces slope inwardly from inlet 250 tooutlet 260 to additionally provide a streamline appearance and effect.

[0074]FIG. 3E illustrates that the housing 210 has a removable rearpanel 224, allowing a user to easily access and remove the germicidallamp 290 from the housing 210 when the lamp 290 expires. This rear panel224 in this embodiment defines the air inlet and comprises the verticallouvers. The rear panel 224 has locking tabs 226 located on each side,along the entire length of the panel 224. The locking tabs 226, as shownin FIG. 3E, are “L”-shaped. Each tab 224 extends away from the panel224, inward towards the housing 210, and then projects downward,parallel with the edge of the panel 224. It is within the spirit andscope of the invention to have differently shaped tabs 226. Each tab 224individually and slidably interlocks with recesses 228 formed within thehousing 210. The rear panel 224 also has a biased lever (not shown)located at the bottom of the panel 224 that interlocks with the recess230. To remove the panel 224 from the housing 210, the lever is urgedaway from the housing 210, and the panel 224 is slid vertically upwarduntil the tabs 226 disengage the recesses 228. The panel 224 is thenpulled away from the housing 210. Removing the panel 224 exposes thelamp 290 for replacement.

[0075] The panel 224 also has a safety mechanism to shut the device 200off when the panel 224 is removed. The panel 224 has a rear projectingtab (not shown) that engages the safety interlock recess 227 when thepanel 224 is secured to the housing 210. Byway of example only, the reartab depresses a safety switch located within the recess 227 when therear panel 224 is secured to the housing 210. The device 200 willoperate only when the rear tab in the panel 224 is fully inserted intothe safety interlock recess 227. When the panel 224 is removed from thehousing 210, the rear projecting tab is removed from the recess 227 andthe power is cut-off to the entire device 200. For example if a userremoves the rear panel 224 while the device 200 is running, and thegermicidal lamp 290 is emitting UV radiation, the device 200 will turnoff as soon as the rear projecting tab disengages from the recess 227.Preferably, the device 200 will turn off when the rear panel 224 isremoved only a very short distance (e.g., ¼″) from the housing 210. Thissafety switch operates very similar to the interlocking post 204, asshown in FIG. 3C.

[0076]FIG. 4

[0077]FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the housing 210. Inthis embodiment, the germicidal lamp 290 maybe removed from the housing210 by lifting the germicidal lamp 290 out of the housing 210 throughthe top surface 217. The housing 210 does not have a removable rearpanel 224. Instead, a handle 275 is affixed to the germicidal lamp 290.The handle 275 is recessed within the top surface 217 of the housing 210similar to the handle 202, when the lamp 290 is within the housing 210.To remove the lamp 290, the handle 275 is vertically raised out of thehousing 210.

[0078] The lamp 290 is situated within the housing 210 in a similarmanner as the second array of electrodes 240. That is to say, that whenthe lamp 290 is pulled vertically out of the top 217 of the housing 210,the electrical circuit that provides power to the lamp 290 isdisconnected. The lamp 290 is mounted in a lamp fixture that has circuitcontacts which engages the circuit in FIG. 7A. As the lamp 290 andfixture are pulled out, the circuit contacts are disengaged. Further, asthe handle 275 is lifted from the housing 210, a cutoff switch will shutthe entire device 200 off. This safety mechanism ensures that the device200 will not operate without the lamp 290 placed securely in the housing210, preventing an individual from directly viewing the radiationemitted from the lamp 290. Reinserting the lamp 290 into the housing 210causes the lamp fixture to reengage the circuit contacts as is known inthe art. In similar, but less convenient fashion, the lamp 290 may bedesigned to be removed from the bottom of the housing 210.

[0079] The germicidal lamp 290 is a preferably UV-C lamp that preferablyemits viewable light and radiation (in combination referred to asradiation or light 280) having wavelength of about 254 nm. Thiswavelength is effective in diminishing or destroying bacteria, germs,and viruses to which it is exposed. Lamps 290 are commerciallyavailable. For example, the lamp 290 maybe a Phillips model TUV 15W/G15T8, a 15 W tubular lamp measuring about 25 mm in diameter by about 43 cmin length. Another suitable lamp is the Phillips TUV 8WG8 T6, an 8 Wlamp measuring about 15 mm in diameter by about 29 cm in length. Otherlamps that emit the desired wavelength can instead be used.

[0080] FIGS. 5A-5B

[0081] As previously mentioned, one role of the housing 210 is toprevent an individual from viewing, by way of example, ultraviolet (UV)radiation generated by a germicidal lamp 290 disposed within the housing210. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate preferred locations of the germicidal lamp290 within the housing 210. FIGS. 5A-5B further show the spacialrelationship between the germicidal lamp 290 and the electrode assembly220, and the germicidal lamp 290 and the inlet 250 and the outlet 260and the inlet and outlet louvers.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface 211 of the housing210 diffuses or absorbs the UV light emitted from the lamp 290. FIGS.5A-5B illustrate that the lamp 290 does emit some light 280 directlyonto the inner surface 211 of the housing 210. By way of example only,the inner surface 211 of the housing 210 can be formed with anon-smoothfinish, or anon-light reflecting finish or color, to also prevent theUV-C radiation from exiting through either the inlet 250 or the outlet260. The UV portion of the radiation 280 striking the wall 211 will beabsorbed and disbursed as indicated above.

[0083] As discussed above, the fins 212 covering the inlet 250 and theoutlet 260 also limit any line of sight of the user into the housing210. The fins 212 are vertically oriented within the inlet 250 and theoutlet 260. The depth D of each fin 212 is preferably deep enough toprevent an individual from directly viewing the interior wall 211. In apreferred embodiment, an individual cannot directly view the innersurface 211 by moving from side-to-side, while looking into the outlet260 or the inlet 250. Looking between the fins 212 and into the housing210 allows an individual to “see through” the device 200. That is, auser can look into the inlet vent 250 or the outlet vent 260 and see outof the other vent. It is to be understood that it is acceptable to seelight or a glow coming from within housing 210, if the light has anon-UVwavelength that is acceptable for viewing. In general, an user viewinginto the inlet 250 or the outlet 260 maybe able to notice a light orglow emitted from within the housing 210. This light is acceptable toview. In general, when the radiation 280 strikes the interior surface211 of the housing 210, the radiation 280 is shifted from its Uspectrum. The wavelength of the radiation changes from the U spectruminto an appropriate viewable spectrum. Thus, any light emitted fromwithin the housing 210 is appropriate to view.

[0084] As also discussed above, the housing 210 is designed to optimizethe reduction of microorganisms within the airflow. The efficacy ofradiation 280 upon microorganisms depends upon the length of time suchorganisms are subjected to the radiation 280. Thus, the lamp 290 ispreferably located within the housing 210 where the airflow is theslowest. In preferred embodiments, the lamp 290 is disposed within thehousing 210 along line A-A (see FIGS. 5A-7). Line A-A designates thelargest width and cross-sectional area of the housing 210, perpendicularto the airflow. The housing 210 creates a fixed volume for the air topass through. In operation, air enters the inlet 250, which has asmaller width, and cross-sectional area, than along line A-A. Since thewidth and cross-sectional area of the housing 210 along line A-A arelarger than the width and cross-sectional area of the inlet 250, theairflow will decelerate from the inlet 250 to the line A-A. By placingthe lamp 290 substantially along line A-A, the air will have the longestdwell time as it passes through the radiation 280 emitted by the lamp290. In other words, the microorganisms within the air will be subjectedto the radiation 280 for the longest period possible by placing the lamp290 along line A-A. It is, however, within the scope of the presentinvention to locate the lamp 290 anywhere within the housing 210,preferably upstream of the electrode assembly 220.

[0085] A shell or housing 270 substantially surrounds the lamp 290. Theshell 270 prevents the light 280 from shining directly towards the inlet250 or the outlet 260. In a preferred embodiment, the interior surfaceof the shell 270 that faces the lamp 290 is anon-reflective surface. Byway of example only, the interior surface of the shell 270 maybe a roughsurface, or painted a dark, non-gloss color such as black. The lamp 290,as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, is a circular tube parallel to the housing 210.In a preferred embodiment, the lamp 290 is substantially the same lengthas, or shorter than, the fins 212 covering the inlet 250 and outlet 260.The lamp 290 emits the light 280 outward in a 3600 pattern. The shell270 blocks the portion of the light 280 emitted directly towards theinlet 250 and the outlet 260. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is nodirect line of sight through the inlet 250 or the outlet 260 that wouldallow a person to view the lamp 290. Alternatively, the shell 270 canhave an internal reflective surface in order to reflect radiation intothe air stream.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the lamp 290 is located alongthe side of the housing 210 and near the inlet 250. After the air passesthrough the inlet 250, the air is immediately exposed to the light 280emitted by the lamp 290. An elongated “U”-shaped shell 270 substantiallyencloses the lamp 290. The shell 270 has two mounts to support andelectrically connect the lamp 290 to the power supply.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shell 270comprises two separate surfaces. The wall 274 a is located between thelamp 290 and the inlet 250. The first wall 274 a is preferably“U”-shaped, with the concave surface facing the lamp 290. The convexsurface of the wall 274 a is preferably a non-reflective surface.Alternatively, the convex surface of the wall 274 a may reflect thelight 280 outward toward the passing airflow. The wall 274 a isintegrally formed with the removable rear panel 224. When the rear panel224 is removed from the housing 210, the wall 274 a is also removed,exposing the germicidal lamp 290. The germicidal lamp 290 is easilyaccessible in order to, as an example, replace the lamp 290 when itexpires.

[0088] The wall 274 b, as shown in FIG. 5B, is “V”-shaped. The wall 274b is located between the lamp 290 and the electrode assembly 220 toprevent a user from directly looking through the outlet 260 and viewingthe U radiation emitted from the lamp 290. In a preferred embodiment,the wall 274 b is also a non-reflective surface. Alternatively, the wall274 b maybe a reflective surface to reflect the light 280. It is withinthe scope of the present invention for the wall 274 b to have othershapes such as, but not limited to, “U”-shaped or “C”-shaped.

[0089] The shell 270 may also have fins 272. The fins 272 are spacedapart and preferably substantially perpendicular to the passing airflow.In general, the fins 272 further prevent the light 280 from shiningdirectly towards the inlet 250 and the outlet 260. The fins have a blackor non-reflective surface. Alternatively, the fins 272 may have areflective surface. Fins 272 with a reflective surface may shine morelight 280 onto the passing airflow because the light 280 will berepeatedly reflected and not absorbed by a black surface. The shell 270directs the radiation towards the fins 272, maximizing the light emittedfrom the lamp 290 for irradiating the passing airflow. The shell 270 andfins 272 direct the radiation 280 emitted from the lamp 290 in asubstantially perpendicular orientation to the crossing airflowtraveling through the housing 210. This prevents the radiation 280 frombeing emitted directly towards the inlet 250 or the outlet 260.

[0090]FIG. 6

[0091]FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the device 200. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a smaller, more portable, desk version ofthe air transporter-conditioner. Air is brought into the housing 210through the inlet 250, as shown by the arrows marked “IN.” The inlet 250in this embodiment is an air chamber having multiple vertical slots 251located along each side. In this embodiment, the slots are dividedacross the direction of the airflow into the housing 210. The slots 251preferably are spaced apart a similar distance as the fins 212 in thepreviously described embodiments, and are substantially the same heightas the side walls of the air chamber. In operation, air enters thehousing 210 by entering the chamber 250 and then exiting the chamber 250through the slots 251. The air contacts the interior wall 211 of thehousing 210 and continues to travel through the housing 210 towards theoutlet 260. Since the rear wall 253 of the chamber is a solid wall, thedevice 200 only requires a single non-reflective housing 270 locatedbetween the germicidal lamp 290 and the electrode assembly 220 and theoutlet 260. The housing 270 in FIG. 6 is preferably “U”-shaped, with theconvex surface 270 a facing the germicidal lamp 290. The surface 270 adirects the light 280 toward the interior surface 211 of the housing 210and maximizes the disbursement of radiation into the passing airflow. Itis within the scope of the invention for the surface 270 to compriseother shapes such as, but not limited to, a “V”-shaped surface, or tohave the concave surface 270 b face the lamp 290. Also in otherembodiments the housing 270 can have a reflective surface in order toreflect radiation into the air stream. Similar to the previousembodiments, the air passes the lamp 290 and is irradiated by the light280 soon after the air enters the housing 210, and prior to reaching theelectrode assembly 220.

[0092] FIGS. 5A-6 illustrate embodiments of the electrode assembly 220.The electrode assembly 220 comprises a first emitter electrode array 230and a second particle collector electrode array 240, which is preferablylocated downstream of the germicidal lamp 290. The specificconfigurations of the electrode array 220 are discussed below, and it isto be understood that any of the electrode assembly configurationsdepicted in FIGS. 8A-15C maybe used in the device depicted in FIGS.2A-6. It is the electrode assembly 220 that creates ions and causes theair to flow electro-kinetically between the first emitter electrodearray 230 and the second collector electrode array 240. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 5A-6, the first array 230 comprises twowire-shaped electrodes 232, while the second array 240 comprises three“U”-shaped electrodes 242. Each “U”-shaped electrode has a nose 246 andtwo trailing sides 244. It is within the scope of the invention for thefirst array 230 and the second array 240 to include electrodes havingother shapes as mentioned above and described below.

[0093] Electrical Circuit for the Electro-Kinetic Device:

[0094] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a preferred embodiment of an electricalblock diagram for the electro-kinetic device 200 with enhancedanti-microorganism capability. FIG. 7A illustrates a preferredelectrical block diagram of the germicidal lamp circuit 101. The maincomponents of the circuit 101 are an electromagnetic interference (EMI)filter 110, an electronic ballast 112, and a DC power supply 114. Thedevice 200 has an electrical power cord that plugs into a commonelectrical wall socket. The (EMI) filter 110 is placed across theincoming 110VAC line to reduce and/or eliminate high frequenciesgenerated by the electronic ballast 112 and the high voltage generator170. The electronic ballast 112 is electrically connected to thegermicidal lamp 290 to regulate, or control, the flow of current throughthe lamp 290. Electrical components such as the EMI Filter 110 andelectronic ballast 112 are well known in the art and do not require afurther description. The DC Power Supply 114 receives the 100VAC andoutputs 12VDC for the internal logic of the device 200, and 160VDC forthe primary side of the transformer 116 (see FIG. 7B).

[0095] As seen in FIG. 7B, a high voltage pulse generator 170 is coupledbetween the first electrode array 230 and the second electrode array240. The generator 170 receives low input voltage, e.g., 160VDC from DCpower supply 114, and generates high voltage pulses of at least 5 KVpeak-to-peak with a repetition rate of about 20 KHz. Preferably, thevoltage doubler 118 outputs 9 KV to the first array 230, and 18 KV tothe second array 240. It is within the scope of the present inventionfor the voltage doubler 118 to produce a greater or smaller voltage. Thepulse train output preferably has a duty cycle of perhaps 10%, but mayhave other duty cycles, including a 100% duty cycle. The high voltagepulse generator 170 maybe implemented in many ways, and typically willcomprise a low voltage converter oscillator 124, operating at perhaps 20KHz frequency, that outputs low voltage pulses to an electronic switch.Such a switch is shown as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)126. The IGBT 126, or other appropriate switch, couples the low voltagepulses from the oscillator 124 to the input winding of a step-uptransformer 116. The secondary winding of the transformer 116 is coupledto the voltage doubler 118, which outputs the high voltage pulses to thefirst and second array of electrodes 230, 240. In general, the IGBT 126operates as an electronic on/off switch. Such a transistor is well knownin the art and does not require a further description.

[0096] The converter oscillator 124 receives electrical signals from theairflow modulating circuit 120, the power setting circuit 122, and theboost timer 128. The airflow rate of the device 200 is primarilycontrolled by the airflow modulating circuit 120 and the power settingcircuit 122. The airflow modulating circuit 120 is a “micro-timing”gating circuit. The airflow modulating circuit 120 outputs an electricalsignal that modulates between a “low” airflow signal and a “high”airflow signal. The airflow modulating circuit 120 continuouslymodulates between these two signals, preferably outputting the “high”airflow signal for 2.5 seconds, and then the “low” airflow signal for 5seconds. By way of example only, the “high” airflow signal causes thevoltage doubler 118 to provide 9 KV to the first array 230, while 18 KVis provided to the second array 240, and the “low” airflow signal causesthe voltage doubler 118 to provide 6 KV to the first array 230, while 12KV is provided to the second array 240. As will be described later, thevoltage difference between the first and second array is proportional tothe airflow rate of the device 200. In general, a greater voltagedifferential is created between the first and second array by the “high”airflow signal. It is within the scope of the present invention for theairflow modulating circuit 120 to produce different voltagedifferentials between the first and second arrays. The various circuitsand components comprising the high voltage pulse generator 170 can befabricated on a printed circuit board mounted within housing 210.

[0097] The power setting circuit 122 is a “macro-timing” circuit thatcan be set, by a control dial 214 (described hereinafter), to a LOW,MED, or HIGH setting. The three settings determine how long the signalgenerated by the airflow modulating circuit 120 will drive theoscillator 124. When the control dial 214 is set to HIGH, the electricalsignal output from the airflow modulating circuit 120, modulatingbetween the high and low airflow signals, will continuously drive theconnector oscillator 124. When the control dial 214 is set to MED, theelectrical signal output from the airflow modulating circuit 120 willcyclically drive the oscillator 124 for 25 seconds, and then drop to azero or a lower voltage for 25 seconds. Thus, the airflow rate throughthe device 200 is slower when the dial 214 is set to MED than when thecontrol dial 214 is set to HIGH. When the control dial 214 is set toLOW, the signal from the airflow modulating circuit 120 will cyclicallydrive the oscillator 124 for 25 seconds, and then drop to a zero or alower voltage for 75 seconds. It is within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention for the HIGH, MED, and LOW settings to drive theoscillator 124 for longer or shorter periods of time.

[0098] The boost timer 128 sends an electrical signal to the airflowmodulating circuit 120 and the powersetting circuit 122 when the boostbutton 216 is depressed. The boost timer 128 when activated, instructsthe airflow modulating circuit 120 to continuously drive the converteroscillator 124 as if the device 200 was set to the HIGH setting. Theboost timer 128 also sends a signal to the power setting circuit 122that shuts the powersetting circuit 122 temporarily off. In effect, theboost timer 128 overrides the setting that the device 200 is set to bythe dial 214. Therefore, the device 200 will run at a maximum airflowrate for a 5 minute period.

[0099]FIG. 7B further illustrates some preferred timing and maintenancefeatures of the device 200. The device 200 has a 2 week timer 130 thatprovides a reminder to the user to clean the device 200, and an arcsensing circuit 132 that may shut the device 200 completely of fin caseof arcing.

[0100] Electrode Assembly with First and Second Electrodes:

[0101] FIGS. 8A-8F

[0102] FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate various configurations of the electrodeassembly 220. The output from high voltage pulse generator unit 170 iscoupled to an electrode assembly 220 that comprises a first electrodearray 230 and a second electrode array 240. Again, instead of arrays, asingle electrode or single conductive surface can be substituted for oneor both array 230 and array 240.

[0103] The positive output terminal of unit 170 is coupled to firstelectrode array 230, and the negative output terminal is coupled tosecond electrode array 240. It is believed that with this arrangementthe net polarity of the emitted ions is positive, e.g., more positiveions than negative ions are emitted. This coupling polarity has beenfound to work well, including minimizing unwanted audible electrodevibration or hum. However, while generation of positive ions isconducive to a relatively silent airflow, from a health standpoint, itis desired that the output airflow be richer in negative ions, notpositive ions. It is noted that in some embodiments, one port(preferably the negative port) of the high voltage pulse generator 170need not be connected to the second array of electrodes 240.Nonetheless, there will be an “effective connection” between the secondarray electrodes 242 and one output port of the high voltage pulsegenerator 170, in this instance, via ambient air. Alternatively thenegative output terminal of unit 170 can be connected to the firstelectrode array 230 and the positive output terminal can be connected tothe second electrode array 240.

[0104] With this arrangement an electrostatic flow of air is created,going from the first electrode array 230 towards the second electrodearray 240. (This flow is denoted “OUT” in the figures.) Accordinglyelectrode assembly 220 is mounted within transporter system 100 suchthat second electrode array 240 is closer to the OUT vents and firstelectrode array 230 is closer to the IN vents.

[0105] When voltage or pulses from high voltage pulse generator 170 arecoupled across first and second electrode arrays 230 and 240, aplasma-like field is created surrounding electrodes 232 in first array230. This electric field ionizes the ambient air between the first andsecond electrode arrays and establishes an “OUT” airflow that movestowards the second array 240. It is understood that the “IN” flow entersvia vent(s) 104 or 250, and that the “OUT” flow exits via vent(s) 106 or260.

[0106] Ozone and ions are generated simultaneously by the first arrayelectrodes 232, essentially as a function of the potential fromgenerator 170 coupled to the first array of electrodes or conductivesurfaces. Ozone generation can be increased or decreased by increasingor decreasing the potential at the first array 230. Coupling an oppositepolarity potential to the second array electrodes 242 essentiallyaccelerates the motion of ions generated at the first array 230,producing the airflow denoted as “OUT” in the figures. As the ions andionized particles move toward the second array 240, the ions and ionizedparticles push or move air molecules toward the second array 240. Therelative velocity of this motion maybe increased, by way of example, bydecreasing the potential at the second array 240 relative to thepotential at the first array 230.

[0107] For example, if +10 KV were applied to the first arrayelectrode(s) 232, and no potential were applied to the second arrayelectrode(s) 242, a cloud of ions (whose net charge is positive) wouldform adjacent the first electrode array 230. Further, the relativelyhigh 10 KV potential would generate substantial ozone. By coupling arelatively negative potential to the second array electrode(s) 242, thevelocity of the air mass moved by the net emitted ions increases.

[0108] On the other hand, if it were desired to maintain the sameeffective outflow (OUT) velocity, but to generate less ozone, theexemplary 10 KV potential could be divided between the electrode arrays.For example, generator 170 could provide +4 KV (or some other fraction)to the first array electrodes 232 and −6 KV (or some other fraction) tothe second array electrodes 242. In this example, it is understood thatthe +4 KV and the −6 KV are measured relative to ground. Understandablyit is desired that the unit 100 operates to output appropriate amountsof ozone. Accordingly, the high voltage is preferably fractionalizedwith about +4 KV applied to the first array electrodes 232 and about −6KV applied to the second array electrodes 242.

[0109] In the embodiments of FIGS. 8A and 8B, electrode assembly 220comprises a first array 230 of wire-shaped electrodes 232, and a secondarray 240 of generally “U”-shaped electrodes 242. In preferredembodiments, the number N1 of electrodes comprising the first array 230can preferably differ by one relative to the number N2 of electrodescomprising the second array 240. In many of the embodiments shown,N2>N1. However, if desired, additional first electrodes 232 could beadded at the outer ends of array 230 such that N1>N2, e.g., five firstelectrodes 232 compared to four second electrodes 242.

[0110] As previously indicated, first or emitter electrodes 232 arepreferably lengths of tungsten wire, whereas electrodes 242 are formedfrom sheet metal, preferably stainless steel, although brass or othersheet metal could be used. The sheet metal is readily configured todefine side regions 244 and a bulbous nose region 246, forming thehollow, elongated “U”-shaped electrodes 242. While FIG. 8A depicts fourelectrodes 242 in second array 240 and three electrodes 232 in firstarray 230, as noted previously, other numbers of electrodes in eacharray could be used, preferably retaining a symmetrically staggeredconfiguration as shown. It is seen in FIG. 8A that while particulatematter 60 is present in the incoming (IN) air, the outflow (OUT) air issubstantially devoid of particulate matter, which adheres to thepreferably large surface area provided by the side regions 244 of thesecond array electrodes 242.

[0111]FIG. 8B illustrates that the spaced-apart configuration betweenthe first and second arrays 230,240 is staggered. Preferably, each firstarray electrode 232 is substantially equidistant from two second arrayelectrodes 242. This symmetrical staggering has been found to be anefficient electrode placement. Preferably, in this embodiment, thestaggering geometry is symmetrical in that adjacent electrodes 232 oradjacent electrodes 242 are spaced-apart a constant distance, Y1 and Y2respectively. However, a non-symmetrical configuration could also beused. Also, it is understood that the number of electrodes 232 and 242may differ from what is shown.

[0112] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A, typically dimensions are asfollows: diameter of electrodes 232, R1, is about 0.08 mm, distances Y1and Y2 are each about 16 mm, distance X1 is about 16 mm, distance L isabout 20 mm, and electrode heights Z1 and Z2 are each about 1 m. Thewidth W of electrodes 242 is preferably about 4 mm, and the thickness ofthe material from which electrodes 242 are formed is about 0.5 mm. Ofcourse, other dimensions and shapes could be used. For example,preferred dimensions for distance X1 may vary between 12-30 mm, and thedistance Y2 may vary between 15-30 mm. It is preferred that electrodes232 have a small diameter, such as R1 shown in FIG. 8B. The smalldiameter electrode generates a high voltage field and has a highemissivity. Both characteristics are beneficial for generating ions. Atthe same time, it is desired that electrodes 232 (as well as electrodes242) be sufficiently robust to withstand occasional cleaning.

[0113] Electrodes 232 in first array 230 are electrically connected to afirst (preferably positive) output port of high voltage pulse generator170 by a conductor 234. Electrodes 242 in second array 240 areelectrically connected to a second (preferably negative) output port ofhigh voltage generator 170 by a conductor 249. The first and secondelectrodes maybe electrically connected to the high voltage generator170 at various locations. Byway of example only, FIG. 8B depictsconductor 249 making connection with some electrodes 242 internal tonose 246, while other electrodes 242 make electrical connection toconductor 249 elsewhere on the electrode 242. Electrical connection tothe various electrodes 242 could also be made on the electrode externalsurface, provided no substantial impairment of the outflow airstreamresults; however it has been found to be preferable that the connectionis made internally.

[0114] In this and the other embodiments to be described herein,ionization appears to occur at the electrodes 232 in the first electrodearray 230, with ozone production occurring as a function of high voltagearcing. For example, increasing the peak-to-peak voltage amplitudeand/or duty cycle of the pulses from the high voltage pulse generator170 can increase ozone content in the output flow of ionized air. Ifdesired, user-control S2 or the dial 214 can be used to somewhat varyozone content by varying amplitude and/or duty cycle. Specific circuitryfor achieving such control is known in the art and need not be describedin detail herein.

[0115] Note the inclusion in FIGS. 8A and 8B of at least one outputcontrolling electrodes 243, preferably electrically coupled to the samepotential as the second array electrodes 242. Electrode 243 preferablydefines a pointed shape in side profile, e.g., a triangle. The sharppoint on electrodes 243 causes generation of substantial negative ions(since the electrode is coupled to relatively negative high potential).These negative ions neutralize excess positive ions otherwise present inthe output airflow, such that the “OUT” flow has a net negative charge.Electrode 243 is preferably manufactured from stainless steel, copper,or other conductor material, and is perhaps 20 mm high and about 12 mmwide at the base. The inclusion of one electrode 243 has been foundsufficient to provide a sufficient number of output negative ions, butmore such electrodes maybe included.

[0116] In the embodiments of FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, each “U”-shapedelectrode 242 has two trailing surface or sides 244 that promoteefficient kinetic transport of the outflow of ionized air and ozone. Forthe embodiment of FIG. 8C, there is the inclusion on at least oneportion of a trailing edge of a pointed electrode region 243′. Electroderegion 243′ helps promote output of negative ions, in the same fashionthat was previously described with respect to electrodes 243, as shownin FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0117] In FIG. 8C and the figures to follow, the particulate matter isomitted for ease of illustration. However, from what was shown in FIGS.8A-8B, particulate matter will be present in the incoming air, and willbe substantially absent from the outgoing air. As has been described,particulate matter 60 typically will be electrostatically precipitatedupon the surface area of electrodes 242.

[0118] As discussed above and as depicted by FIG. 8C, it is relativelyunimportant where on an electrode array the electrical connection ismade with the high voltage generator 170. In this embodiment, firstarray electrodes 232 are shown electrically connected together at theirbottom regions by conductor 234, whereas second array electrodes 242 areshown electrically connected together in their middle regions by theconductor 249. Both arrays maybe connected together in more than oneregion, e.g., at the top and at the bottom. It is preferred that thewire or strips or other inter-connecting mechanisms be at the top,bottom, or periphery of the second array electrodes 242, so as tominimize obstructing stream air movement through the housing 210.

[0119] It is noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 8C and 8D depictsomewhat truncated versions of the second electrodes 242. Whereasdimension L in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B was about 20 mm, inFIGS. 8C and 8D, L has been shortened to about 8 mm. Other dimensions inFIG. 8C preferably are similar to those stated for FIGS. 8A and 8B. Itwill be appreciated that the configuration of second electrode array 240in FIG. 8C can be more robust than the configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B,by virtue of the shorter trailing edge geometry. As noted earlier, asymmetrical staggered geometry for the first and second electrode arraysis preferred for the configuration of FIG. 8C.

[0120] In the embodiment of FIG. 8D, the outermost second electrodes,denoted 242-1 and 242-4, have substantially no outermost trailing edges.Dimension L in FIG. 8D is preferably about 3 mm, and other dimensionsmay be as stated for the configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B. Again, theratio of the radius or surface areas between the first electrode 232 andthe second electrodes 242 for the embodiment of FIG. 8D preferablyexceeds about 20:1.

[0121]FIGS. 8E and 8F depict another embodiment of electrode assembly220, in which the first electrode array 230 comprises a single wireelectrode 232, and the second electrode array 240 comprises a singlepair of curved “L”-shaped electrodes 242, in cross-section. Typicaldimensions, where different than what has been stated forearlier-described embodiments, are X1≈12 mm, Y2≈5 mm, and L1≈3 mm. Theeffective surface area or radius ratio between the electrode arrays isagain greater than about 20:1. The fewer electrodes comprising assembly220 in FIGS. 8E and 8F promote economy of construction, and ease ofcleaning, although more than one electrode 232, and more than twoelectrodes 242 could of course be employed. This particular embodimentincorporates the staggered symmetry described earlier, in whichelectrode 232 is equidistant from two electrodes 242. Other geometricarrangements, which may not be equidistant, are within the spirit andscope of the invention.

[0122] Electrode Assembly With an Upstream Focus Electrode:

[0123] FIGS. 9A-9B

[0124] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B are somewhat similarto the previously described embodiments in FIGS. 8A-8B. The electrodeassembly 220 includes a first array of electrodes 230 and a second arrayof electrodes 240. Again, for this and the other embodiments, the term“array of electrodes” may refer to a single electrode or a plurality ofelectrodes. Preferably, the number of electrodes 232 in the first arrayof electrodes 230 will differ by one relative to the number ofelectrodes 242 in the second array of electrodes 240. The distances L,X1, Y1, Y2, Z1 and Z2 for this embodiment are similar to thosepreviously described in FIG. 8A.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9A, the electrode assembly 220 preferably adds athird, or leading, or focus, or directional electrode 224 a, 224 b, 224c (generally referred to as “electrode 224”) upstream of each firstelectrode 232-1,232-2,232-3. The focus electrode 224 creates an enhancedairflow velocity exiting the devices 100 or 200. In general, the thirdfocus electrode 224 directs the airflow, and ions generated by the firstelectrode 232, towards the second electrodes 242. Each third focuselectrode 224 is a distance X2 upstream from at least one of the firstelectrodes 232. The distance X2 is preferably 5-6 mm, or four to fivediameters of the focus electrode 224. However, the third focus electrode224 can be further from, or closer to, the first electrode 232.

[0126] The third focus electrode 224 illustrated in FIG. 9A is arod-shaped electrode. The third focus electrode 224 can also compriseother shapes that preferably do not contain any sharp edges. The thirdfocus electrode 224 is preferably manufactured from material that willnot erode or oxidize, such as stainless steel. The diameter of the thirdfocus electrode 224, in a preferred embodiment, is at least fifteentimes greater than the diameter of the first electrode 232. The diameterof the third focus electrode 224 can be larger or smaller. The diameterof the third focus electrode 224 is preferably large enough so thatthird focus electrode 224 does not function as an ion emitting surfacewhen electrically connected with the first electrode 232. The maximumdiameter of the third focus electrode 224 is somewhat constrained. Asthe diameter increases, the third focus electrode 224 will begin tonoticeably impair the airflow rate of the units 100 or 200. Therefore,the diameter of the third electrode 224 is balanced between the need toform a non-ion emitting surface and airflow properties of the unit 100or 200.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, each third focus electrode 224 a, 224b, 224 c are electrically connected with the first array 230 and thehigh voltage generator 170 by the conductor 234. As shown in FIG. 9A,the third focus electrodes 224 are electrically connected to the samepositive outlet of the high voltage generator 170 as the first array230. Accordingly, the first electrode 232 and the third focus electrode224 generate a positive electrical field. Since the electrical fieldsgenerated by the third focus electrode 224 and the first electrode 232are both positive, the positive field generated by the third focuselectrode 224 can push, or repel, or direct, the positive fieldgenerated by the first electrode 232 towards the second array 240. Forexample, the positive field generated by the third focus electrode 224 awill push, or repel, or direct, the positive field generated by thefirst electrode 232-1 towards the second array 240. In general, thethird focus electrode 224 shapes the electrical field generated by eachelectrode 232 in the first array 230. This shaping effect is believed todecrease the amount of ozone generated by the electrode assembly 220 andincreases the airflow of the units 100 and 200.

[0128] The particles within the airflow are positively charged by theions generated by the first electrode 232. As previously mentioned, thepositively charged particles are collected by the negatively chargedsecond electrodes 242. The third focus electrode 224 also directs theairflow towards the trailing sides 244 of each second electrode 242. Forexample, it is believed that the airflow will travel around the thirdfocus electrode 224, partially guiding the airflow towards the trailingsides 244, improving the collection rate of the electrode assembly 220.

[0129] The third focus electrode 224 maybe located at various positionsupstream of each first electrode 232. Byway of example only, a thirdfocus electrode 224 b is located directly upstream of the firstelectrode 232-2 so that the center of the third focus electrode 224 b isin-line and symmetrically aligned with the first electrode 232-2, asshown by extension line B. Extension line B is located midway betweenthe second electrode 242-2 and the second electrode 242-3.Alternatively, a third focus electrode 224 may also be located at anangle relative to the first electrode 232. For example, a third focuselectrode 224 a maybe located upstream of the first electrode 232-1along a line extending from the middle of the nose 246 of the secondelectrode 242-2 through the center of the first electrode 232-1, asshown by extension line A. The third focus electrode 224 a is in-lineand symmetrically aligned with the first electrode 232-1 along extensionline A. Similarly, the third electrode 224 c is located upstream to thefirst electrode 2323 along a line extending from the middle of the nose246 of the second electrode 242-3 through the first electrode 232-3, asshown by extension line C. The third focus electrode 224 c is in-lineand symmetrically aligned with the first electrode 232-3 along extensionline C. It is within the scope of the present invention for theelectrode assembly 220 to include third focus electrodes 224 that areboth directly upstream and at an angle to the first electrodes 232, asdepicted in FIG. 9A. Thus, the focus electrodes 224 fan out relative tothe first electrodes 232.

[0130]FIG. 9B illustrates that an electrode assembly 220 may containmultiple third focus electrodes 224 upstream of each first electrode232. By way of example only, the third focus electrode 224 a 2 isin-line and symmetrically aligned with the third focus electrode 224 a1, as shown by extension line A. In a preferred embodiment, only thethird focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1,224 c 1 are electricallyconnected to the high voltage generator 170 by conductor 234.Accordingly, not all of the third electrodes 224 are at the sameoperating potential. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the third focuselectrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1, 224 c 1 are at the same electricalpotential as the first electrodes 232, while the third focus electrodes224 a 2, 224 b 2, 224 c 2 are floating. Alternatively, the third focuselectrodes 224 a 2,224 b 2 and 224 c 2 maybe electrically connected tothe high voltage generator 170 by the conductor 234.

[0131]FIG. 9B illustrates that each second electrode 242 may also have aprotective end 241. In the previous embodiments, each “U”-shaped secondelectrode 242 has an open end. Typically, the end of each trailing sideor side wall 244 contains sharp edges. The gap between the trailingsides or side walls 244, and the sharp edges at the end of the trailingsides or side walls 244, generate unwanted eddy currents. The eddycurrents create a “backdraft,” or airflow traveling from the outlettowards the inlet, which slows down the airflow rate of the units 100 or200.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the protective end 241 is created byshaping, or rolling, the trailing sides or side walls 244 inward andpressing them together, forming a rounded trailing end with no gapbetween the trailing sides or side walls of each second electrode 242.Accordingly, the side walls 244 have outer surfaces, and the end of theside walls 244 are bent back inward and towards the nose 246 so that theouter surface of the side walls 244 are adjacent to, or face, or toucheach other to form a smooth trailing edge on the second electrode 242.If desired, it is within the scope of the invention to spot weld therounded ends together along the length of the second electrode 242. Itis also within the scope of the present invention to form the protectiveend 241 by other methods such as, but not limited to, placing a strap ofplastic across each end of the trailing sides 244 for the full length ofthe second electrode 242. The rounded or capped end is an improvementover the previous electrodes 242 without a protective end 241.Eliminating the gap between the trailing sides 244 also reduces oreliminates the eddy currents typically generated by the second electrode242. The rounded protective end also provides a smooth surface forpurpose of cleaning the second electrode. In a preferred embodiment, thesecond or collector electrode 242 is a one-piece, integrally formed,electrode with a protective end.

[0133] FIGS. 10A-10D

[0134]FIG. 10A illustrates an electrode assembly 220 including a firstarray of electrodes 230 having three wire-shaped first electrodes 232-1,232-2, 232-3 (generally referred to as “electrode 232”) and a secondarray of electrodes 240 having four “U”-shaped second electrodes 242-1,242-2, 242-3, 242-4 (generally referred to as “electrode 242”). Eachfirst electrode 232 is electrically connected to the high voltagegenerator 170 at the bottom region, whereas each second electrode 242 iselectrically connected to the high-voltage generator 170 in the middleto illustrate that the first and second electrodes 232, 242 can beelectrically connected in a variety of locations.

[0135] The second electrode 242 in FIG. 10A is a similar version of thesecond electrode 242 shown in FIG. 8C. The distance L has been shortenedto about 8 mm, while the other dimensions X1, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2 are similarto those shown in FIG. 8A.

[0136] A third leading or focus electrode 224 is located upstream ofeach first electrode 232. The inner most third focus electrode 224 b islocated directly upstream of the first electrode 232-2, as shown byextension line B. Extension line B is located midway between the secondelectrodes 242-2,242-3. The third focus electrodes 224 a, 224 c are atan angle with respect to the first electrodes 232-1,232-3. For example,the third focus electrode 224 a is upstream to the first electrode 232-1along a line extending from the middle of the nose 246 of the secondelectrode 242-2 extending through the center of the first electrode232-1, as shown by extension line A. The third electrode 224 c islocated upstream of the first electrode 232-3 along a line extendingfrom the center of the nose 246 of the second electrode 242-3 throughthe center of the first electrode 232-3, as shown by extension line C.Preferably, the focus electrodes 224 fan out relative to the firstelectrodes 232 as an aid for directing the flow of ions and chargedparticles. FIG. 10B illustrates that the third focus electrodes 224 andthe first electrode 232 may be electrically connected to the highvoltage generator 170 by conductor 234.

[0137]FIG. 10C illustrates that a pair of third focus electrodes 224 maybe located upstream of each first electrode 232. Preferably, themultiple third focus electrodes 224 are inline and symmetrically alignedwith each other. For example, the third focus electrode 224 a 2 isin-line and symmetrically aligned with the third focus electrode 224 a1, along extension line A. As previously mentioned, preferably onlythird focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1, 224 c 1 are electricallyconnected with the first electrodes 232 by conductor 234. It is alsowithin the scope of the present invention to have none or all of thethird focus electrodes 224 electrically connected to the high voltagegenerator 170.

[0138]FIG. 10D illustrates third focus electrodes 224 added to theelectrode assembly 220 shown in FIG. 8D. Preferably, a third focuselectrode 224 is located upstream of each first electrode 232. Forexample, the third focus electrode 224 b is in-line and symmetricallyaligned with the first electrode 232-2, as shown by extension line B.Extension line B is located midway between the second electrodes 242-2,242-3. The third focus electrode 224 a is in-line and symmetricallyaligned with the first electrode 232-1, as shown by extension line A.Similarly, the third electrode 224 c is in-line and symmetricallyaligned with the first electrode 232-3, as shown by extension line C.Extension lines A and C extend from the middle of the nose 246 of the“U”-shaped second electrodes 242-2,242-3 through the first electrodes232-1,232-3, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the thirdelectrodes 224 a, 224 b, 224 c with the high voltage generator 170 bythe conductor 234. This embodiment can also include a pair of thirdfocus electrodes 224 upstream of each first electrode 232 similar to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 10C.

[0139] FIGS. 11A-11C

[0140] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate that the electrode assembly 220 shown inFIG. 8E may include a third focus electrode 224 upstream of the firstarray of electrodes 230 comprising a single wire electrode 232.Preferably, the center of the third focus electrode 224 is in-line andsymmetrically aligned with the center of the first electrode 232, asshown by extension line B. Extension line B is located midway betweenthe second electrodes 242. The distances X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1 and Z2 aresimilar to the embodiments previously described. The first electrode 232and the second electrodes 242 maybe electrically connected to thehigh-voltage generator 170 by conductor 234, 249 respectively. It iswithin the scope of the present invention to connect the first andsecond electrodes to opposite ends of the high voltage generator 170(e.g., the first electrode 232 may be negatively charged and the secondelectrode 242 maybe positively charged). In a preferred embodiment, thethird focus electrode 224 is also electrically connected to the highvoltage generator 170.

[0141]FIG. 11B illustrates that a pair of third focus electrodes 224 a,224 b maybe located upstream of the first electrode 232. The third focuselectrodes 224 a, 224 b are in-line and symmetrically aligned with thefirst electrode 232, as shown by extension line B. Extension line B islocated midway between the second electrodes 242. Preferably, the thirdfocus electrode 224 b is upstream of third focus electrode 224 a adistance equal to the diameter of a third focus electrode 224. In apreferred embodiment, only the third focus electrode 224 a iselectrically connected to the high voltage generator 170. It is withinthe scope of the present invention to electrically connect both thirdfocus electrodes 224 a, 224 b to the high voltage generator 170.

[0142]FIG. 11C illustrates that each third focus electrode 224 can belocated at an angle with respect to the first electrode 232. Similar tothe previous embodiments, the third focus electrode 224 a 1 and 224 b 1is located a distance X2 upstream from the first electrode 232. By wayof example only, the third focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 a 2 are locatedalong a line extending from the middle of the second electrode 242-2through the center of the first electrode 232, as shown by extensionline A. Similarly, the third focus electrodes 224 b 1, 224 b 2 are alonga line extending from the middle of the second electrode 242-1 throughthe middle of the first electrode 232, as shown by extension line B. Thethird focus electrode 224 a 2 is in-line and symmetrically aligned withthe third focus electrode 224 a 1 along extension line A. Similarly, thethird focus electrode 224 b 2 is in line and symmetrically aligned withthe third focus electrode 224 b 1, along extension line B. The thirdfocus electrodes 224 are fanned out and form a “V” pattern upstream offirst electrode 232. In a preferred embodiment, only the third focuselectrodes 224 a 1 and 224 b 1 are electrically connected to thehigh-voltage generator 170 by conductor 234. It is within the scope andspirit of the invention to electrically connect the third focuselectrodes 224 a and 224 b 2 to the high voltage generator 170.

[0143] FIGS. 12A-12B

[0144] The previously described embodiments of the electrode assembly220 disclose a rod-shaped third focus electrode 224 upstream of thefirst array of electrodes 230. FIG. 12A illustrates an alternativeconfiguration for the third focus electrode 224. Byway of example only,the electrode assembly 220 may include a “U”-shaped or possibly“C”-shaped third focus electrode 224 upstream of each first electrode232. The third focus electrode 224 may also have other curvedconfigurations such as, but not limited to, circular-shaped,elliptical-shaped, parabolically-shaped, and other concave shapes facingthe first electrode 232. In a preferred embodiment, the third focuselectrode 224 has holes 225 extending through, forming a perforatedsurface to minimize the resistance of the third focus electrode 224 onthe airflow rate.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the third focus electrode 224 iselectrically connected to the high voltage generator 170 by conductor234. The third focus electrode 224 in FIG. 12A is preferably not an ionemitting surface. Similar to previous embodiments, the third focuselectrode 224 generates a positive electric field and pushes or repelsthe electric field generated by the first electrode 232 towards thesecond array 240.

[0146]FIG. 12B illustrates that a perforated “U”-shaped or “C”-shapedthird focus electrode 224 can be incorporated into the electrodeassembly 220 shown in FIG. 8A. Even though only two configurations ofthe electrode assembly 220 are shown with the perforated “U”-shapedthird focus electrode 224, all the embodiments described in FIGS. 8A-15Cmay incorporate the perforated “U”-shaped third focus electrode 224. Itis also within the scope of the invention to have multiple perforated“U”-shaped third focus electrodes 224 upstream of each first electrode232. Further in other embodiments the “U”-shaped third focus electrode224 can be made of a screen or a mesh.

[0147]FIG. 12C illustrates third focus electrodes 224 similar to thosedepicted in FIG. 12B, except that the third focus electrodes 224 arerotated by 180° to preset a convex surface facing to the firstelectrodes 232 in order to focus and direct the field of ions andairflow from the first electrode 232 toward the second array ofelectrodes 240. These third focus electrodes 224 shown in FIGS. 12A-12Care located along extension lines A, B, C similar to previouslydescribed embodiments.

[0148] Electrode Assembly With a Downstream Trailing Electrode:

[0149] FIGS. 13A-13C

[0150] FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate an electrode assembly 220 having anarray of trailing electrodes 245 added to an electrode assembly 220similar to that shown in FIG. 11A. It is understood that an alternativeembodiment similar to FIG. 13A may include a trailing electrode orelectrodes without any focus electrodes and be within the spirit andscope of the invention.

[0151] Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13B, each trailing electrode 245 islocated downstream of the second array of electrodes 240. Preferably,the trailing electrodes 245 are located downstream from each secondelectrode 242 by at least three times the radius R2 (see FIG. 13B).Further, the trailing electrodes 245 are preferably directly downstreamof each second electrode 242 so as not to interfere with the flow ofair. Also, the trailing electrode 245 is aerodynamically smooth, forexample, circular, elliptical, or teardrops shaped in cross-section SOas not to unduly interfere with the smoothness of the airflow thereby.In a preferred embodiment, the trailing electrodes 245 are electricallyconnected to the same outlet of the high voltage generator 170 as thesecond array of electrodes 240. As shown in FIG. 13A, the secondelectrodes 242 and the trailing electrodes 245 have a negativeelectrical charge. This arrangement can introduce more negative chargesinto the air stream. Alternatively, the trailing electrodes 245 can havea floating potential if they are not electrically connected to thesecond electrode 242 or the high voltage generator 170. The trailingelectrodes 245 can also be grounded in other embodiments.

[0152] When the trailing electrodes 245 are electrically connected tothe high voltage generator 170, the positively charged particles withinthe airflow are also attracted to, and collect on, the trailingelectrodes 245. In an electrode assembly 220 with no trailing electrode245, most of the particles will collect on the surface area of thesecond electrodes 242. However, some particles will pass through theunit 200 without being collected by the second electrodes 242. Thus, thetrailing electrodes 245 serve as a second surface area to collect thepositively charged particles. The trailing electrodes 245, having thesame polarity as the second electrodes 242, also deflect chargedparticles toward the second electrodes 242.

[0153] The trailing electrodes 245 preferably also emit a small amountof negative ions into the airflow. The negative ions emitted by thetrailing electrode 245 attempt to neutralize the positive ions emittedby the first electrodes 232. If the positive ions emitted by the firstelectrodes 232 are not neutralized before the airflow reaches the outlet260, the outlet fins 212 may become electrically charged, and particleswithin the airflow may tend to stick to the fins 212. If this occurs,the particles collected by the fins 212 will eventually block orminimize the airflow exiting the unit 200.

[0154]FIG. 13C illustrates another embodiment of the electrode assembly200, having trailing electrodes 245 added to an embodiment similar tothat shown in FIG. 11C. The trailing electrodes 245 are locateddownstream of the second array 240 similar to the previously describedembodiments above. It is within the scope of the present invention toelectrically connect the trailing electrodes 245 to the high voltagegenerator 170. The trailing electrodes 245 emit negative ions toneutralize the positive ions emitted by the first electrode 232. Asshown in FIG. 13C, all of the third focus electrodes 224 areelectrically connected to the high voltage generator 170. In a preferredembodiment, only the third focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1 areelectrically connected to the high voltage generator 170, and the thirdfocus electrodes 224 a 2, 224 b 2 have a floating potential.

[0155] Electrode Assemblies With Various Combinations of FocusElectrodes. Trailing Electrodes and Enhanced Second Electrodes WithProtective Ends:

[0156] FIGS. 14A-14D

[0157]FIG. 14A illustrates an electrode assembly 220 that includes afirst array of electrodes 230 having two wire-shaped electrodes 232-1,232-2 (generally referred to as “electrode 232”) and a second array ofelectrodes 240 having three “U”-shaped electrodes 242-1, 242-2, 242-3(generally referred to as “electrode 242”). Upstream from each firstelectrode 232, at a distance X2, is a third focus electrode 224. Eachthird focus electrode 224 a, 224 b is at an angle with respect to afirst electrode 232. For example, the third focus electrode 224 a ispreferably along a line extending from the middle of the nose 246 of theinnermost second electrode 242-2 through the center of the firstelectrode 232-1, as shown by extension line A. The third focus electrode224 a is in-line and symmetrically aligned with the first electrode232-1 along extension line A. Similarly, the third focus electrode 224 bis located along a line extending from middle of the nose 246 of thesecond electrode 242-2 through the center of the first electrode 232-2,as shown by extension line B. The third focus electrode 224 b is in-lineand symmetrically aligned with the first electrode 232-2 along extensionline B. As previously described, the diameter of each third focuselectrode 224 is preferably at least fifteen times greater than thediameter of the first electrode 232. As shown in FIG. 14A, and similarto the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, each second electrode preferably hasa protective end 241. Similar to previous embodiments, the third focuselectrodes 224 are preferably electrically connected to the high voltagegenerator 170. It is within the spirit and scope of the invention to notelectrically connect the third focus electrodes 224 with the highvoltage generator 170.

[0158]FIG. 14B illustrates that multiple third focus electrodes 224maybe located upstream of each first emitter electrode 232. For example,the third focus electrode 224 a 2 is inline and symmetrically alignedwith the third focus electrode 224 a 1 along extension line A.Similarly, the third focus electrode 224 b 2 is in-line andsymmetrically aligned with the third focus electrode 242 b 1 alongextension line B. It is within the scope of the present invention toelectrically connect all, or none of, the third focus electrodes 224 tothe high-voltage generator 170. In a preferred embodiment, only thethird focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1 are electrically connected tothe high voltage generator 170, while the third focus electrodes 224 a2, 224 b 2 have a floating potential.

[0159]FIG. 14C illustrates that the electrode assembly 220 shown in FIG.14A may also include a trailing electrode 245 downstream of each secondelectrode 242. Each trailing electrode 245 is in-line with the secondelectrode 242 to minimize the interference with the airflow passing thesecond electrode 242. Each trailing electrode 245 is preferably locateda distance downstream of each second electrode 242 equal to at leastthree times the width W of the second electrode 242. It is within thescope of the present invention to locate the trailing electrode 245 atother distances downstream of the second electrode 242. The diameter ofthe trailing electrode 245 is preferably no greater than the width W ofthe second electrode 242 to limit the interference of the airflow comingoff the second electrode 242.

[0160] Another aspect of the trailing electrode 245 is to direct the airtrailing off the second electrode 242 to provide a more laminar flow ofair exiting the outlet 260. Yet another aspect of the trailing electrode245, as previously mentioned above, is to neutralize the positive ionsgenerated by the first array 230 and collect particles within theairflow. As shown in FIG. 14C, each trailing electrode 245 iselectrically connected to a second electrode 242 by a conductor 248.Similar to previous embodiments, the trailing electrode 245 has the samepolarity as the second electrode 242, and serves as a collectingsurface, similar to the second electrode 242, to attract the oppositelycharged particles in the airflow. Alternatively, the trailing electrodemay be connected to a ground or having a floating potential.

[0161]FIG. 14D illustrates that a pair of third focus electrodes 224maybe located upstream of each first electrode 232. For example, thethird focus electrode 224 a 2 is upstream of the third focus electrode224 a 1 so that the third focus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 a 2 are in-lineand symmetrically aligned with each other along extension line A.Similarly, the third focus electrode 224 b 2 is in line andsymmetrically aligned with the third focus electrode 224 b 1 alongextension line B. As previously described, preferably only the thirdfocus electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1 are electrically connected to the highvoltage generator 170, while the third focus electrodes 224 a 2, 224 b 2have a floating potential. It is within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention to electrically connect all, or none, of the thirdfocus electrodes to the high voltage generator 170.

[0162] Electrode Assemblies With Second Collector Electrodes HavingInterstitial Electrodes:

[0163] FIGS. 14E-14F

[0164]FIG. 14E illustrates another embodiment of the electrode assembly220 with an interstitial electrode 246. In this embodiment, theinterstitial electrode 246 is located midway between the secondelectrodes 242. For example, the interstitial electrode 246 a is locatedmidway between the second electrodes 242-1, 242-2, while theinterstitial electrode 246 b is located midway between second electrodes242-2, 242-3. Preferably, the interstitial electrode 246 a, 246 b areelectrically connected to the first electrodes 232, and generate anelectrical field with the same positive or negative charge as the firstelectrodes 232. The interstitial electrode 246 and the first electrode232 then have the same polarity. Accordingly, particles traveling towardthe interstitial electrode 246 will be repelled by the interstitialelectrode 246 towards the second electrodes 242. Alternatively, theinterstitial electrodes can have a floating potential or be grounded.

[0165] It is to be understood that interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 bmay also be closer to one second collector electrode than to the other.Also, the interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 b are preferably locatedsubstantially near or at the protective end 241 or ends of the trailingsides 244, as depicted in FIG. 14E. Still further the interstitialelectrode can be substantially located along a line between the twotrailing portions or ends of the second electrodes. These rear positionsare preferred as the interstitial electrodes can cause the positivelycharged particle to deflect towards the trailing sides 244 along theentire length of the negatively charged second collector electrode 242,in order for the second collector electrode 242 to collect moreparticles from the airflow.

[0166] Still further, the interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 b can belocated upstream along the trailing side 244 of the second collectorelectrodes 244. However, the closer the interstitial electrodes 246 a,246 b get to the nose 246 of the second electrode 242, generally theless effective interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 b are in urgingpositively charged particles toward the entire length the secondelectrodes 242. Preferably, the interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 b arewire-shaped and smaller or substantially smaller in diameter than thewidth “W” of the second collector electrodes 242. For example, theinterstitial electrodes can have a diameter of, the same as, or on theorder, of the diameter of the first electrodes. For example, theinterstitial electrodes can have a diameter of one-sixteenth of an inch.Also, the diameter of the interstitial electrodes 246 a, 246 b issubstantially less than the distance between second collectorelectrodes, as indicated by Y2. Further the interstitial electrode canhave a length or diameter in the downstream direction that issubstantially less than the length of the second electrode in thedownstream direction. The reason for this size of the interstitialelectrodes 246 a, 246 b is so that the interstitial electrodes 246 a,246 b have a minimal effect on the airflow rate exiting the device 100or 200.

[0167]FIG. 14F illustrates that the electrode assembly 220 in FIG. 14Ecan include a pair of third electrodes 224 upstream of each firstelectrode 232. As previously described, the pair of third electrodes 224are preferably in-line and symmetrically aligned with each other. Forexample, the third electrode 224 a 2 is in-line and symmetricallyaligned with the third electrode 224 a 1 along extension line A.Extension line A preferably extends from the middle of the nose 246 ofthe second electrode 242-2 through the center of the first electrode232-1. As previously disclosed, in a preferred embodiment, only thethird electrodes 224 a 1, 224 b 1 are electrically connected to the highvoltage generator 170. In FIG. 14F, a plurality of interstitialelectrode 296 a and 246 b are located between the second electrodes 242.Preferably these interstitial electrodes are in-line and have apotential gradient with an increasing voltage potential on eachsuccessive interstitial electrode in the downstream direction in orderto urge particles toward the second electrodes. In this situation thevoltage on the interstitial electrodes would have the same sign as thevoltage on the first electrode 232. Electrode Assembly With an EnhancedFirst Emitter Electrode Being Slack: FIGS. 15A-15C

[0168] The previously described embodiments of the electrode assembly220 include a first array of electrodes 230 having at least one wire orrod shaped electrode 232. It is within the scope of the presentinvention for the first array of electrodes 230 to contain electrodesconsisting of other shapes and configurations.

[0169]FIG. 15A illustrates that the first array of electrodes 230 mayinclude curved or slack wire-shaped electrodes 252. The curvedwire-shaped electrode 252 is an ion emitting surface and generates anelectric field similar to the previously described wire-shapedelectrodes 232. In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 220 includesa first array of electrodes 230 having three curved electrodes 252, anda second array of electrodes 240 having four “U”-shaped electrodes 242.Each second electrode 242 is “downstream,” and each third focuselectrode 224 is “upstream,” to the curved wire-shaped electrodes 252similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A. The electrical propertiesand characteristics of the second electrodes 242 and third focuselectrode 224 are similar to the previously described embodiment shownin FIG. 9A. It is to be understood that an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 15A can exclude the focus electrodes and be within the spirit andscope of the invention.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 15A, positive ions are generated and emitted bythe first electrode 252. In general, the quantity of negative ionsgenerated and emitted by the first electrode is proportional to thesurface area of the first electrode. The height Z1 of the firstelectrode 252 is equal to the height Z1 of the previously disclosedwire-shaped electrode 232. However, the total length of the electrode252 is greater than the total length of the electrode 232. By way ofexample only, and in a preferred embodiment, if the electrode 252 wasstraightened out, the curved or slack wire electrode 252 is 15-30%longer than the rod or wire-shaped electrode 232. The curved electrode252 is allowed to be slack to achieve the shorter height Z1. When a wireis held slack, the wire may form a curved shape similar to the firstelectrode 252 shown in FIG. 15A. The greater total length of the curvedelectrode 252 translates to a larger surface area than the wire-shapedelectrode 232. Thus, the electrode 252 will generate and emit more ionsthan the electrode 232. Ions emitted by the first electrode array attachto the particulate matter within the airflow. The charged particulatematter is attracted to, and collected by, the oppositely charged secondcollector electrodes 242. Since the electrodes 252 generate and emitmore ions than the previously described rod or wire shaped electrodes232, more particulate matter will be removed from the airflow.

[0171]FIG. 15B illustrates that the first array of electrodes 230 mayinclude flat coil wire-shaped electrodes 254. Each flat coil wire-shapedelectrode 254 also has a larger surface area than the previouslydisclosed wire-shaped electrode 232. By way of example only, and in apreferred embodiment, if the electrode 254 was straightened out, theelectrode 254 will have a total length that is preferably 10% longerthan the rod shaped electrode 232. Since the height of the electrode 254remains at Z1, the electrode 254 has a “kinked” configuration as shownin FIG. 15B. This greater length translates to a larger surface area ofthe electrode 254 than the surface area of the electrode 232.Accordingly, the electrode 254 will generate and emit a greater numberof ions than electrode 232. It is to be understood that an alternativeembodiment of FIG. 15B can exclude the focus electrodes and be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

[0172]FIG. 15C illustrates that the first array of electrodes 230 mayalso include coiled wire-shaped electrodes 256. Again, the height Z1 ofthe electrodes 256 are similar to the height Z1 of the previouslydescribed rod shaped electrodes 232. However, the total length of eachelectrode 256 is greater than the total length of the rod-shapedelectrodes 232. By way of example only, and in a preferred embodiment,if the coiled electrode 256 was straightened out, each electrode 256will have a total length two to three times longer than the wire-shapedelectrodes 232. Thus, the electrodes 256 have a larger surface area thanthe electrodes 232, and generate and emit more ions than the firstelectrodes 232. The diameter of the wire that is coiled to produce theelectrode 256 is similar to the diameter of the electrode 232. Thediameter of the electrode 256 itself is preferably 1-3 mm, but can besmaller in accordance with the diameter of first emitter electrode 232.The diameter of the electrode 256 shall remain small enough so that theelectrode 256 has a high emissivity and is an ion emitting surface. Itis to be understood that an alternative embodiment of FIG. 15C canexclude the focus electrodes and be within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

[0173] The electrodes 252, 254 and 256 shown in FIGS. 15A-15C maybeincorporated into any of the electrode assembly 220 configurationspreviously disclosed in this application.

[0174] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art.Modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the subject and spirit of the invention asdefined by the following claims. Embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best describe the principles of the invention and itspractical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art tounderstand the invention, the various embodiments and with variousmodifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the followingclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air transporter-conditioner comprising: ahousing having a top and a removable inlet and an outlet; an iongenerator, when energized, that can create an airflow between the inletand the outlet, and including a first electrode and a second electrode,and a voltage generator coupled between the first electrode and thesecond electrode; said second electrode being removably mounted in saidhousing so that the second electrode can be removed for cleaning, andwherein said second electrode is removable through said top of saidhousing; a germicidal lamp that can expose the airflow to germicidalradiation, disposed in said house, said germicidal lamp removablymounted in said housing such that after said inlet is removed, saidgermicidal lamp can be removed.
 2. The air transporter-conditioner ofclaim 1 wherein: said housing has a side extending downwardly from saidtop and said inlet is located through said side.
 3. The airtransporter-conditioner of claim 1 wherein said housing is elongated andsaid inlet and said outlet are covered with elongated fins which extendalong a direction of the elongated housing.
 4. The airtransporter-conditioner of claim 1 wherein said housing is verticallyupstanding and said inlet and said outlet are covered with verticalelongated fins.
 5. An air transporter-conditioner comprising: a housinghaving an inlet and an outlet; an ion generator which, when energized,that can create an airflow between the inlet and the outlet, andincluding a first electrode and a second electrode, and a voltagegenerator coupled between the first electrode and the second electrode;said second electrode being removably mounted in said housing so thatthe second electrode can be removed for cleaning; and a germicidal lampexposing the airflow to germicidal radiation, disposed in said house,said germicidal lamp removably mounted in said housing such that saidgermicidal lamp can be changed.
 6. The air transporter-conditioner ofclaim 5 wherein said housing has a top and said second electrode andsaid germicidal lamp are removable through said top.
 7. The airtransporter-conditioner of claim 5 wherein said housing has a top and aside and the second electrode is removable through said top and saidgermicidal lamp is removable through said sides.
 8. The airtransporter-conditioner of claim 5 wherein: said housing has a top andsaid second electrode has a first handle located on said top, whichfirst handle can be used to lift said second electrode out of saidhousing through said top; and said germicidal lamp has a second handle,which second handle located on said top, which second handle can be usedto lift said germicidal lamp out of said housing through said top.
 9. Anair transporter-conditioner comprising: an upstanding, elongated housinghaving a top and a side wall extending downwardly from said top, saidhousing further including an inlet defined through said side wall and anoutlet; said inlet removably mounted to said side wall; an ion generatorwhich, when energized, that can create an airflow between the inlet andthe outlet, and including a first electrode and a second electrode, anda voltage generator coupled between the first electrode and the secondelectrode; said second electrode being removably mounted in said housingso that the second electrode can be removed for cleaning; said top ofsaid housing including a port through which said second electrode can beremoved; a germicidal lamp exposing the airflow to germicidal radiation,disposed in said house, said germicidal lamp removably mounted in saidhousing such that said germicidal lamp can be changed; and saidgermicidal lamp removably mounted in said housing adjacent to saidremovable inlet so that after said removable inlet is removed, saidgermicidal lamp can be removed.
 10. The air transporter-conditioner ofclaim 9 wherein said second electrode is elongated along a direction ofelongation of said housing.
 11. A method for maintaining an airtransporter-conditioner having a housing with a top and a side, and anion generator in said housing which ion generator includes a first ionemitter electrode and a second collector electrode, and a germicidaldevice in said housing, comprising the steps of in any order and withthe steps occurring within a relatively short period of time or over asubstantial period of operation of the air transporter-conditioner:removing the second collector electrode through the top of said housingfor cleaning; removing the germicidal device through said side forreplacing a germicidal lamp; replacing the second collector electrodethrough the top of said housing into said housing; and placing a newgermicidal lamp into said housing.
 12. The method of claim 11 includingpreparatory to removing the germicidal device, the step of removing aside wall of the housing.
 13. The method of claim 11 includingpreparatory to removing the germicidal device, the step of removing aside outlet vent located in said side of said housing.
 14. The method ofclaim 11 including preparatory to removing the germicidal device, thestep of removing a side vertically louvered vent located in said side ofsaid housing.